International

Global giant Bird & Bird has 13 individuals singled out across seven jurisdictions, with the London office especially well represented with five listings. The “first-class” Peter Brownlow is one of our most highly regarded European-based practitioners. He is renowned for his “market-leading” practice in the soft IP field, with recent notable successes including acting for Yahoo! in the landmark UK decision Wilson v Yahoo! and representing Lastminute.com at the European Court of First Instance in its successful cancellation of the CTM “Last Minute Tour”. Joint head of the firm’s IP group Morag Macdonald is “one of the best litigators in the country” and is praised by clients for her “brilliant strategic thinking” and “formidable business acumen”. She is “particularly well known” for her multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution work and also “stands out” for her notable cases in the UK, which include Mentor v Hollister, Synthon v SKB and Associated Newspapers v Express Newspapers. The “truly excellent” Allan Poulter focuses on brand management and is “renowned” for his counsel on global branding strategies.

Paris-based Rebecca Delorey has “deep experience” in both the contentious and transactional aspects of protecting, enforcing and managing trademarks. In China, Ai-Leen Lim heads the firm’s IP portfolio management team and is singled out for her “top notch” counsel, especially on advertising, marketing law and related regulatory issues. Managing partner Alban Kang is one of a trio of lawyers recognised at the Singapore office. He is considered the “go-to guy” in Asia for complex litigation matters, with in-house counsel praising his “responsiveness and efficiency”. Massimiliano Mostardini is a “big name in the Italian legal market” and is lauded for his “very strong” pan-European litigation practice.

International heavyweight Baker & McKenzie fields 11 individuals from eight of its offices across Europe, South America and Asia-Pacific. In Moscow, Eugene Arievich leads the CIS intellectual property team and is “frequently seen in high-stakes litigation”. Recently he represented Russian search engine Yandex before the Chamber for Patent Disputes in what was a “landmark case”, and Starbucks in the annulment of the right of a Russian company to use its trademark which helped facilitate its expansion into the country. Sydney-based Robert Arnold coordinates the firm’s Asia-Pacific IP practice and is lauded for his “wealth of experience” in international trademark protection. In Singapore, Andy Leck is a “key figure” in the legal market boasting more than two decades of experience in both the contentious and non-contentious aspects of this sector. He is a “firm favourite” with world-renowned pharmaceutical, life sciences, technology and energy companies.

Managing partner of the firm’s London office is the “fantastically good” Paul Rawlinson. He is the former chair of Baker & McKenzie’s global IP practice and has represented multinational corporations in both the UK and EU courts. Prominent clients include L’Oréal, Stella McCartney and British American Tobacco. Christopher Smith is one of two individuals singled out from the Hong Kong office, with peers from around the global commenting on his “formidable PRC trademark prosecution expertise”.

Hogan Lovells also boasts 11 inclusions this year, with lawyers from its offices in Europe and Asia selected for inclusion. Verena von Bomhard founded the firm’s Alicante office and is noted for her “in-depth understanding” of Community trademarks and designs. She is “very strong” at pan-European litigation and “her knowledge of Community trademarks is unrivalled”. Hong Kong-based Henry Wheare is a “key figure” in the Asian legal market and is “sought after” by international companies operating in the region. Head of Hogan Lovell’s Italian IP group is Milan-based Luigi Mansani. He is lauded for his “first tier” litigation skills, with those who come across him describing him as a “formidable opponent” in the courts.

In Tokyo, Eiichiro Kubota is “greatly respected” for his litigation abilities in both the IP and TMT sectors. Corporate counsel praise the “high quality of service” he provides and “would not hesitate to recommend him”. Leopold von Gerlach is one of two individuals recognised from the Hamburg office. He is commended for his over 15 years of trial experience, with peers commenting on his “enviable client list” which includes big names in the life sciences, cosmetics, luxury goods, telecoms, electronics, and toys and gaming industries.

Eleven individuals at Rouse come highly nominated this year, including a trio from the London office. Arty Rajendra is “one of the top disputes lawyers in the UK” and has been involved in several significant cases including Nokia v HMRC, regarding counterfeit goods in transit through the EU, and Dyson v Qualtex in relation to unregistered design rights. Two practitioners from the Dubai office are highly nominated, most notably Sara Holder who is one of the leading individuals in the Middle East and Africa region according to our research. She has “made a real name for herself” in this field of law due to her “fabulous technical skills, creativity and efficiency”. Chad Dowle boasts a “tremendous understanding” of the Middle East and North Africa region and clients value his “business nous and sound legal knowledge”.

Shanghai-based Linda Chang manages Rouse’s operations in China and has a “stellar reputation” due to her “distinguished” work, which includes registering the famed Burberry check and the GlaxoSmithKline “S-bend” toothbrush shape, one of the country’s first three-dimensional trademarks. Two individuals from Indonesia are selected, with deputy CEO of the firm Nick Redfearn recognised as one of the leading lawyers in the Asia-Pacific region. He has played a key role in establishing the firm’s presence across the region and peers highlight his “impressive depth of expertise” in counterfeiting and anti-piracy. He is also “notable” in Chinese infringement disputes, and builds and manages many Chinese enforcement programmes for clients.

Norton Rose Fulbright achieves nine listings, four of whom are based in the firm’s US offices. Minneapolis-based Timothy Kenny is the head of the firm’s US IP brands practice and is “greatly respected” for his litigation abilities. He has handled over 75 federal trademark cases and been involved in over 130 trademark trial and appeal board hearings. The “extremely capable” Patrick Gallagher is a “big name” at the Minnesota Bar due to his “outstanding” portfolio management practice. At the Austin office, head of the firm’s technology and innovation team Richard Groos is very highly rated. He is hailed for his “originality and strong commercial understanding” regarding the planning and implementing of domestic and international trademark and domain name registration and enforcement.

Outside of the US the firm fields several other well-regarded practitioners. Frances Drummond is one of two lawyers selected for inclusion from the Sydney office and has spent more than two decades focusing on IP law. She has “almost unparalleled” market sector and commercial knowledge due to her in-house experience at a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. She has worked with clients such as Fairfax Media, Aurora Energy and Carnival Cruises. In Hong Kong, Justin Davidson has been “especially active” in China, advising clients on protecting and expanding their portfolios in the country.

Gowling Lafleur Henderson garners nine listings, the bulk of whom are based in the firm’s home jurisdiction of Canada. Toronto-based Scott Jolliffe is chair and chief executive of the firm and is described as “the dean of the Canadian IP Bar”. He is “particularly prominent” in the dispute resolution arena, being hailed as both a “brilliant litigator” and “respected mediator”. In Ottawa, Robert MacDonald heads the firm’s intellectual property group and has practised in the field for over 30 years. He is a “star litigator” and very active before the Federal Court and the Court of Appeal. The “wonderful” Monique Couture is “a very safe pair of hands”, according to clients who follow her counsel on brand protection. The Moscow office also has two lawyers singled out, including Marina Drel, who leads the firm’s litigation and enforcement practice there. She is “very highly rated” for her counsel on infringement and counterfeiting matters.

North America

New York specialist outfit Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu fields more lawyers to this edition than any other firm, reflecting the high level of expertise possessed by its practitioners due to the firm’s exclusive focus on this field of law. Sixteen individuals are recognised, including one of most highly regarded practitioners in the world: Susan Upton Douglass. She is hailed by peers as “first rate” and “absolutely excellent” in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements, counselling and conflict resolution. Clients describe her as their “lawyer of choice for any trademark-related issues” and praise her “spot-on” advice. Roger Zissu is considered a “giant of the New York Bar” and is held in high regard by peers. They describe him as “knowing everything there is to know about trademark and copyright law”, most notably in regard to ownership and infringement. His areas of specialism include literary and graphic characters, motion pictures and artworks. The “formidable” Ronald Lehrman has an “exceptionally strong” international practice. Noteworthy cases he has been involved in include the recapturing of the Tabasco trademark from a Japanese trademark pirate in McIlhenny Company v Kaneki (before the Supreme Court of Japan), and the Pizza Hut case in Cyprus, which closed down an unauthorised “Pizza Hut” operation.

The “simply brilliant” Janet Hoffman is singled out for her “incredible knowledge and experience” of trademark and unfair competition law in former Soviet states and Eastern Europe. Nadine Jacobson is lauded for her “superb regulatory understanding” which includes origin/geographic indication issues. The “fantastic” David Ehrlich is a “favourite” among major companies in the electronics, toys, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. He has been involved in many “high-profile” cases including Interlego v Abrams/Gentile Entertainment and Estée Lauder v Cinnabar 2000 Haircutters. Mark Engelmann is lauded for his “diverse and extensive” client list, and the “wonderful” Peter Silverman is singled out for his “first-rate” counselling and prosecution skills.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton fields 10 individuals to this edition, six of whom hail from the Atlanta office including Miles Alexander, one of the top North American practitioners in our research. He is a “big name” in the area and hailed as a “star of the IP Bar”. Clients “cannot praise him highly enough” and value his “first-class counsel” on all matters pertaining to unfair competition and trademarks. Theodore Davis Jr is considered to be “one of the leading litigators in the country” and has a “wealth” of domestic and international clients. Recent highlights include representing Premiere Global Services, Royal Ten Cate and WMS Gaming. The “terrific” Jerre Swann has over four decades of experience and is frequently called upon for his expert advice and counsel in significant cases.

The firm also has four lawyers from its New York office singled out, with Lisa Pearson especially highly nominated. She is a “leading East Coast litigator” representing creators and brand owners in an “impressively broad” spectrum of industries. Clients praise her “tenacity” and “drive” and her peers consider her a “formidable opponent” in the courtroom. The “outstanding” Jason Vogel is “in huge demand” by clients for international portfolio management and is “masterful” at complex multi-jurisdictional trademark clearances.

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear achieves seven listings, including Susan Natland. She “stands out” for her “high-quality counsel” and “very strong” client list that includes Urban Decay Cosmetics, Arbonne International, Kate Spade New York, First American Financial Corporation, Nobel Biocare, Carey Hart and Ryan Sheckler. “Leading litigator” Lynda Zadra-Symes is a former co-chair of the International Bar Association committee for intellectual property and entertainment law, and peers praise her ability “to formulate rock-solid arguments”. Jeff Van Hoosear is a “prominent figure” in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and is “very solutions-oriented” according to those who work with him. In Los Angeles, Jonathan Hyman is entrusted by clients in the entertainment, sports, apparel, retail, technology, and food and beverages industries on “complex, high-stakes matters” and he “always delivers a first-class service”.

In the Chicago legal market specialist IP firm Brinks Gilson & Lione dominates with six listings. Jerome Gilson has practised in this field for over 50 years and has handled “numerous significant” trials and appeals before the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and the federal courts. The “very talented” Mary Squyres is chair of the firm’s international trademark practice and lauded for her “deep understanding” of trademark law in multiple jurisdictions. She is “highly sought after” due to her “brilliant track record” in litigation, licensing and prosecution. Jack Berenzweig is “especially well known” for his counterfeiting expertise and is a “real favourite” with Asian companies in need of representation in the US.

New York-based firm Cowan Liebowitz & Latman has five of its lawyers recognised, including “guru” William Borchard. He is described as a “point of reference” in the legal market and is particularly praised for his “stellar counsel” on the IP aspects of complex mergers, acquisitions, securitisations and divestitures. The “very well respected” Baila Celedonia is described as “responsive, creative and highly experienced” in the administration of domestic and international trademark registration programmes. Jeffrey Epstein is singled out for his “impressive handling” of international portfolios for US-based multinational corporations as well as foreign corporations operating in the US.

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner fields a quartet of top names from its Washington, DC office. The “extremely smart” Mark Sommers comes highly recommended by peers and in-house counsel due to his “very thorough and business-oriented approach”. Julia Anne Matheson boasts an “incredible” international client list that includes Fortune 500 companies and multinational organisations from around the globe. She successfully represented Starbucks in its opposition to the application for the mark of Lessbucks Coffee based on the likelihood of confusion with the famous brand.

Austin-based specialist firm Pirkey Barber garners four inclusions, with founding partner Louis Pirkey receiving a particularly high number of nominations. He is considered “an authority” on trademark law and has been involved in some of the most “cutting-edge and groundbreaking cases of the past few decades”. He is a former president of American Intellectual Property Law Association and was a member of the US delegation for conferences on trademark reform at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The “eminent” William Barber is “absolutely top-tier” for trademark litigation and policing, and also handles domain name disputes through ICANN’s domain name dispute resolution policies.

Sally Abel of Fenwick & West’s Mountain View office is one of our most highly regarded practitioners this year and one of three lawyers featured from the firm. She leads the trademark group and provides “top-level counselling” to a wealth of clients in the technology sector including Facebook, Pinterest and Rambus. She is a “lawyer of choice” when it comes to addressing “highly complex and high stakes issues” and peers describe her as a “trailblazer”.

Founding partner of Florida firm Lott & Fischer Leslie Lott is “world-renowned” for her abilities in this field. She is a former chair of both the intellectual property law committee of the Florida Bar and the alternative dispute resolution committee of the American Intellectual Property Law Association. She is famed for her dispute resolution skills, with clients valuing her “responsiveness and flexibility” as well as her “deep commercial and business understanding”. Peers “would not hesitate to refer work” to her and describe her as a “pleasure to come across”.

In Canada, Bereskin & Parr stands out with six listings including the “eminent” Cynthia Rowden, one of the most highly regarded individuals in our research. She heads the firm’s trademarks practice and is in “huge demand” from Canadian companies in need of trademark portfolio management advice and the Canadian portfolios of some of the largest trademark owners in the world. She is also “exceptionally good” at internet-related IP issues, with peers lauding her “cutting-edge practice”. In-house counsel praise her “exceptional and immersive grasp of trademark law” and consider her their “go-to lawyer”. Founding partner Daniel Bereskin QC is a “legendary figure” at the Canadian IP Bar and has served as counsel to the International Trademark Association (INTA). Janice Bereskin is singled out due to her “pragmatic business sense” and ability to “tailor advice to meet clients’ needs”.

At Blake Cassels & Graydon, Sheldon Burshtein is one of two individuals recognised from the Toronto office. He is lauded for his “vast experience” in the sector with peers commenting on his “unparalleled knowledge” of trademark law. He is “extremely committed to always providing the best quality service” according to impressed clients who describe him as their “first port of call for anything IP-related”.

Europe

Four practitioners at UK specialist firm Redd Solicitors feature in this edition, including one of the most highly rated individuals in the world solicitor-advocate Anna Carboni. She is “internationally acclaimed” for her “phenomenal abilities” in this field, in which she has specialised for over a quarter of a century. She is “very familiar” with all levels of the UK courts, including the Patents County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. As well as being a “first-class” litigator she is also “sought after” for her mediation skills, with clients valuing her “solutions-oriented and creative approach”. Alongside her, Sara Ashby is “widely acclaimed” as a litigator and clients are impressed by her “clear, succinct advice” on enforcement, infringement and validity issues.

A trio of London lawyers from Olswang are selected, with head of the trademark team Joel Barry achieving an especially high number of nominations. He is “the go-to guy” for the media sector and has been involved in many high-profile cases, including acting for Sky in trademark infringement, and passing-off proceedings brought by Starbucks over the mark “NOW”. The “fabulous” Helen Newman stands out for her work with fashion and luxury goods brands particularly in complex commercial transactions.

Roland Mallinson is one of three lawyers singled out from Taylor Wessing’s London office. He is hailed as a counterfeiting and parallel imports “guru” having been involved in hundreds of UK and cross-border cases relating to these issues. The “superb” Christopher Benson is a “key name” for brand protection, clearance and prosecution in the UK legal market and clients praise his ability “to always deliver”. Head of the firm’s German trademarks team leader Thomas Raab also garners a high number of nominations and is a “key figure” at the Munich bar.

John Olsen of Edwards Wildman Palmer is “world renowned” for the depth and breadth of his trademarks practice. He boasts an “incredible roster of clients” who “cannot praise him highly enough”. They value his “hands-on approach” and his “brilliance” at guiding them through international laws and regulations in order to ensure their trademark rights are protected and enforced. The firm also has four US practitioners recognised, including the “prominent” Lawrence Robins at the New York office.

Irish firm FRKelly has a trio of practitioners listed, with the “very intelligent” Shane Smyth receiving particular praise. He was chair of the Trademarks Committee during the passage of the 1996 Trademarks Act and more recently has advised the EU Commission on the registration of geographical indications of origin. Brenda O’Regan is “greatly respected” for her representation of local and international corporations advising on both Irish and EU trademark law and Niamh Hall is “really excellent across the board”.

Patricia McGovern of DFMG Solicitors in Dublin is considered one of the “leaders” of this field in Europe. She chairs and heads the IP and corporate commercial departments at the firm and is renowned for her “exceptionally strong” practice that involves among other things brand and protection strategies.

Top European IP firm Bardehle Pagenberg has five individuals from its German offices selected. Former co-managing partner Peter Munzinger has “tremendous experience” managing portfolios and protecting marks and has been lead counsel of some the country’s landmark cases. Current co-managing partner and leader of the IP department Claus Eckhartt is a “leading light” in the European legal market and a “big name” for infringement issues. The “talented” Alexander von Mühlendahl has “unbelievable legal knowledge” due to his more than four decades of experience in trademark practice, academia and legislation, which includes serving as head of the division for trademark and unfair competition law at the German Ministry of Justice.

At Grünecker, Munich-based Maximilian Kinkeldey is lauded for his “first-tier” legal and technical abilities. Clients draw attention to his “great perspective, sound counsel and tailored approach” to even the most complex of matters, with one describing him as “very user-friendly” and “without a doubt at the top of his game”.

In the Netherlands, Klos Morel Vos & Schaap fields four individuals, including one of our leading European lawyers Gregor Vos. He is co-founder and managing partner of the firm and “one of the most prominent litigators in Europe”. He is praised for his “great attention to detail, strong arguments and dynamism in court”. Fellow co-founder Sven Klos also performs very strongly in our research, with peers commenting on his “terrific knowledge of non-traditional marks” and corporate counsel confirming that they are “extremely happy” with the way he handles matters.

Oslo-based Trine Greaker Herzog is one of four lawyers fielded from Norwegian firm Bryn Aarflot. She is described as a “leading light” in the country’s trademark bar due to her “sophisticated and broad practice” which includes counterfeiting and customs matters. At the same firm, Astrid Solberg is noted for her “diligence, flexibility and responsiveness”, while Celine Varmann Jørgensen is “extremely good” at portfolio management. Pål Tonna is also selected for inclusions due to the high number of nominations he receives.

Elzaburu has a quartet of practitioners singled out from its Madrid office, including Doris Bandin who is noted for her prosecution work. She is praised for being “totally dedicated to finding a successful outcome” for her clients, regardless of the complexity of the matter. The “deeply experienced” Antonio Castán is lauded for his “proactive approach and incredible perspective”.

In France, founding partner of top IP firm Gilbey Legal Richard Gilbey is widely considered to be the country’s top practitioner and a leader in the European market according to our research. He has “deep sector knowledge” due to spending seven years in-house as head of trademarks at two different pharmaceutical companies. Clients value his “personal, high-level service” across all phases of trademark management and competitors describe his practice as “inspirational”. At the same firm Richard Metzger is also selected due to his “very accomplished practice” and “stellar expertise”.

Asia-Pacific

In Australia, Davies Collison Cave Law has seven individuals recognised including vice chair of the INTA-related rights committee Marion Heathcote. She is a “star” of the Asia-Pacific legal market, being one of our five most highly nominated lawyers in this region. She is renowned for her “first-class advice” on portfolio management and “profound knowledge” of geographical indications. The “gifted” Trevor Stevens focuses on trademark opposition proceedings before the Australian Trade Marks Office and Christine Lowe is hailed as the “go-to lawyer” in Melbourne for brand selection, trademark searches and registration. Michael Wolnizer is a “big name” for internet-related trademark and copyright issues and leads the firm’s domain name practice group.

Allens has a trio of lawyers listed this year, with Melbourne-based Timothy Golder especially highly rated. He is “vastly experienced” having spent nearly three decades specialising in this field and has an “incredible array of clients” that includes Australian Grand Prix, Cricket Australia, Christian Dior, Ford Motor, The Herald and Weekly Times, Kraft Foods, Melbourne Rebels, Nike, Philip Morris, Tommy Hilfiger and Tyco. In-house counsel describe him as “very accessible and easy to work with”.

New Zealand firm AJ Park fields three individuals to this edition, including one of our most nominated practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region, John Hackett. He is chairman of the firm’s partners and an “absolutely excellent attorney” who boasts an “international profile” for his work. He is “unbelievably good” at counselling both domestic and international companies on a range of industries on portfolios and branding strategies. Notable clients include Time Warner, Lacoste, L’Oréal and Citigroup.

In Hong Kong Deacons achieves four listings, with Annie Tsoi coming highly recommended by peers around the globe who describe her as “very helpful and knowledgeable”. The “eminent” Patsy Lau is “simply wonderful” at conducting portfolio audits and advising on the IP aspects of commercial transactions.

At her own firm, Ella Cheong is hailed as a “key player and leading light” in the Hong Kong market. She is described as being a “pioneer of IP law” in Asia, with her firm now boasting offices in Beijing, Singapore and Malaysia, and peers claim “there is no trademarks matter she cannot handle.”

Shearn Delamore & Co garners the highest number of listings in Malaysia, with three individuals selected for inclusion. The “marvellous” Karen Abraham is joint head of the firm’s IP group and is particularly well known for her design and crafting of anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting programmes and brand management schemes for leading companies.

Singapore-based Jo-Ann See is a director at Amica Law and one of our most highly recommended individuals this year. She is current chair of the Law Society of Singapore and “very effective” at advising clients on the development and protection of their marks. According to those we interviewed “it’s hard to think of anyone better at IP law in the region.”

Latin America

Argentine firm Marval O’Farrell & Mairal boasts three listings, including Iris Quadrio. She is widely considered “one of the best trademark practitioners in the world” and tops our list for the Latin America region. She is “extremely well thought of” by her clients, which include Nike, The Coca Cola Company and Deutsche Telekom. They value her “outstanding ability to efficiently handle complex and high-stakes matters”. Miguel O’Farrell is hailed as a “veteran” of the Buenos Aires bar, having been involved in many “momentous” cases. Gustavo Giay, meanwhile, is deemed a “really fine litigator”.

Dannemann Siemsen Advogados is a leading Brazilian IP firm and home to the “extremely well-regarded” Peter Dirk Siemsen. He has a “sterling reputation” among peers around the world who commend his “awe-inspiring” practice. As a “senior statesman” at the Rio de Janeiro bar he is hailed as a “point of reference” in the market. The “terrific” Peter Eduardo Siemsen “superbly combines” his IP and technology knowledge to provide “first-class” guidance to clients.

In Brazil, Montaury Pimenta Machado & Vieira de Mello garners three listings with Luiz Edgard Montaury Pimenta highlighted for his “prowess as a litigator”. According to those we spoke to “he is a superb strategic thinker” and a “dean” of the Brazilian legal market. Eduardo Magalhães Machado is a “must for inclusion” according to our sources and has particular knowledge of internet-related IP matters.

At his own firm, Rio de Janeiro-based Luiz Leonardos is a “distinguished figure “who comes recommended for his “commercially oriented advice” and the “scope and diversity of his IP practice”.

Mexican firm Arochi & Lindner fields a trio of lawyers to this edition, including founding partner Roberto Arochi. His “pre-eminent practice” focuses on advising both local and international companies and since Mexico joined the Madrid Protocol he has been “especially busy” advising clients seeking to take advantage of the privileges afforded by this treaty. Of the firm’s younger generation Adriana Lastiri is considered a “real star” and John Murphy is “making waves” in the market.

Mexico city-based Sergio Olivares Jr of Olivares & Cía is chairman of the firm’s management committee and has a “top-tier” litigation and prosecution practice. In-house counsel praise his “very personalised service and responsiveness”.

In Paraguay, Wilfrido Fernandez of Zacarias & Fernandez is a “brilliant” arbitrator who has acted for WIPO. He knows Paraguayan trademark law “better than anyone else”, hence his roster of major local and international clients.

Middle East & Africa

South African heavyweight Spoor & Fisher has six listings, with Kay Rickelman coming particularly highly recommended by peers and clients. She boasts nearly three decades of experience both in South Africa and the US and is the firm’s foreign trademarks counsel. She is the “lawyer of choice” for prominent local clients for obtaining and enforcing trademark protection in foreign countries. Cape Town-based Owen Dean is “highly rated” for his counsel to major media and entertainment clients. At the Pretoria office Charles Webster scores particularly highly in our research and Jean McIvor is considered “very effective” for domestic and international trademark registrations and searches.

Adams & Adams fields a quartet of individuals, most notably co-chair of the trademark department Simon Brown. He is a “real specialist” in clearance investigations, filings and prosecutions and a “pleasure to work with” according to corporate counsel. Chairman Gérard du Plessis has both an “exceptional level of business understanding” and “invaluable sector experience”.

In Israel, Shlomo Cohen of his own firm boasts an “international reputation”. He is “one of the top litigators in the world” and “consistently provides spot-on strategic advice” according to clients. He is frequently the “first and only stop” for global brands in need of representation in Israel.

Rehovot-based Sanford Colb, founding partner of Sanford T Colb & Co, is a licensed attorney in both Israel and the US. He is a “key player” in the market and is especially notable for his knowledge of counterfeiting issues.

In Turkey, founding partner of specialist IP firm Mehmet Gün & Partners Mehmet Gün is one of three lawyers singled out. He is known for his “exceptionally strong litigation abilities” across a broad range of industries, although he boasts particular knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. He is also credited with “pioneering copyright law” in the country and playing a “pivotal” role in the formation of the country’s Copyright Law.

At the UK Bar

The UK Bar is extremely well represented in this edition and several lawyers in particular stand out. At 11 South Square, Henry Carr QC has led numerous trials before the High Court and Court of Appeals, including L’Oréal v eBay. He is a “heavyweight” of the UK IP Bar and a “truly brilliant advocate” who has “an astonishing ability to make the judge see things his way”.

Geoffrey Hobbs QC at One Essex Court boasts an “encyclopaedic knowledge” of trademark law. He is described as “fearless” and is a “force to be reckoned with”, according to those who have come up against him. He acted for Marks & Spencer in the high-profile Google AdWords litigation.

At Hogarth Chambers, the “extremely clever” Roger Wyand QC is a favourite with clients and instructing solicitors due to his “superb style in court”; he “really delivers results”.

James Mellor QC of 8 New Square is the “go-to QC” for parallel imports and internet-related trademark issues. He recently acted in the “very prominent” Scrabble tile dispute, representing the successful respondent Zynga in an appeal from summary judgment handed down in JW Spear & Sons and Mattel v Zynga.

At 3 New Square, Tom Mitcheson QC recently took silk and has become a “leading light” of the bar due to his “outstanding abilities” across the contentious IP area. Those who work with him cannot praise him enough, singling out his “frightening intelligence” and “brilliance at engaging and communicating” with solicitors and clients. Recent notable cases he has been involved in include Cosmetic Warriors v Amazon, regarding trademarks, AdWords and search engines; and Cadbury v Nestlé, regarding TM Registry and shape mark for the four-finger KitKat.

Nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.